Congressman Meuser Secures $2 Million for Schuylkill County Emergency Operations Center

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) issued the below statement after securing $2,000,000 in federal funding for Schuylkill County to construct a new Emergency Operations Center. The funding was included in FY24 Appropriations legislation recently signed into law.

This facility will serve as the County Emergency Operations Center, equipped to offer crucial emergency backup support to the region’s 911 Response Team. The funding will be dedicated to constructing essential components such as Emergency Management offices, an operations center, and an IT room, totaling 5,120 square feet. This investment addresses a pressing priority for the county.

Congressman Dan Meuser said, "I’m happy to have secured $2 million for Schuylkill County to build a cutting-edge Emergency Operations Center. This state-of-the-art facility will greatly enhance the county’s ability to respond to emergencies and provide crucial backup support to its 911 response team. This investment is essential to providing top-tier emergency services throughout Schuylkill County and safeguarding our region’s residents."

Schuylkill County Commissioner Larry Padora said, “I'm pleased that Congressman Meuser was able to collaborate with Schuylkill County Commissioners to secure funding for our new emergency operations facility. This funding will greatly support the training of firefighters, our emergency management team, and numerous other first responders. I believe it's a fantastic development for our county and the surrounding areas, benefiting a multitude of organizations that can make use of this facility. From first responders to local businesses, everyone can utilize this facility for secure emergency training tailored to their needs.”

Schuylkill County Commissioner Boots Hetherington said, “Schuylkill County is thrilled to announce that we've secured funding to construct a brand-new Emergency Operations Center, a project we've tirelessly pursued for years. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Congressman Meuser for his assistance in turning our long-held vision into a reality. Witnessing the recent decline in emergency operations volunteer numbers in several other Pennsylvania counties only underscores the significance of this endeavor for us. With the establishment of this new facility, Schuylkill County is going to enhance its emergency response capabilities, ensuring better service and protection for our community and its residents.”

Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess said, “I want to thank Congressman Dan Meuser for his assistance in securing this crucial funding, which will greatly enhance our emergency services in Schuylkill County. Strengthening our volunteer emergency services is essential, and as commissioners, our foremost responsibility is ensuring public safety. The new emergency operations center will guarantee a prompt response to emergencies and ensure there is always someone to answer the call. We greatly appreciate this support, which will propel Schuylkill County forward and bring much-needed resources to our community.”

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